Cirrhosis and Alcohol

OVERVIEW

WHAT CAN I DO  AT HOME TO PREVENT MORE LIVER INJURY?

WHAT TREATMENTS SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR?

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP ME?

Cirrhosis is a serious and progressive liver disease that is characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. This scar tissue interferes with the liver's ability to function normally, which can lead to a number of serious health problems.

Alcohol is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis. When a person drinks excessive amounts of alcohol, it can cause significant damage to the liver cells. Over time, this damage can cause scar tissue to form and eventually lead to cirrhosis.

It is important to note that not all heavy drinkers will develop cirrhosis, but those who do are at a much higher risk of serious health problems. Additionally, the amount of alcohol that a person needs to drink in order to develop cirrhosis varies greatly from person to person, and depends on a number of factors such as genetics, overall health, and alcohol consumption patterns.

If you suspect that you may have cirrhosis or if you are a heavy drinker, it is important to see a doctor right away. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to slow the progression of cirrhosis and reduce the risk of serious health problems. This may involve reducing your alcohol consumption, taking medication, and making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.